Switching mechanism.



No. 695,467. Patented Mar. I8, I902.

G. L. MANSFIELD. v SWITCHING MECHANISM. (Application filed'Oct. 11, 1901. (No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet I.

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a. L. MANSFIELD.

SWITCHING MECHANISM.

(Application 11156 on. 11, .901.)

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Nrrsn ATES GEORGE L. MANSFIELD, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

SWITCHING MECHANISM.

SPEGIFICATION'for-ming part of Letters Patent No. 695,467, dated March 18, 1902.

Application filed October 11, 1901. Serial No. 781313. N m del.)

To all whom it may concern:

1eit known that I, GEORGE L. MANSFIELD, a citizen of the United States, residing at Ohi-. cago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Switching Mechanism, Case No. 1,) of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference be: ing had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to switching mechanism, and has for its object the simplification of such mechanism and to insure effective operation thereof,

One feature of the invention consists in the provision of an actuating-bar confined to substantiallya straight-line movement and having a gearless connection with the operating shaft. Heretofore in order to'cause a straightline movement of this actuating-bar gearing was employed in the form of a pinion moved by the shaft engaging a rack carried by the actuating-bar.

In accordance with my invention I preferably fix a crank-arm upon the operating-shaf t that has sliding connection with the actuating-bar. Either the arm or the bar may be provided with a pin, the other one ofthe'se members being provided with a corresponding slot in which the pin is adapted to move back and forth. The arm is preferably provided with a slot, While the actuating-bar carries the pin. The operating-shaft is provided with an actuating-arm to be grasped by the switchman to effect the rotation of the shaft in a corresponding operation of the actuatingbar to move the switch-points from one position to another. p

The switch-operating mechanism of my invention is particularly well adapted to a twothrow construction, although I do not wish'to be limited to the number of adjustments that the switch mechanism may be adapted to effect. The actuating-arm preferably has a pivotal connection with the operating-shaft, the axis of this connection preferably being horizontal, so that the actuating-arm may be inclined at various angles as it is being operated.

In order that the switch-operating mechanism may be insured definite operating positions, I provide mechanical obstructing means, preferably a lug, that will force the switch-operating mechanism to maintain and preferably to assume one of these operating positions, if such position has not been previouslyeffected'bymanual adjustment. This obstructingv device is preferably a stationary cam in the form of an inverted V, upon which the actuating-arm is adapted to ride. Through the agency of this cam the switchman is only required to shift and elevate the actuatingarm sulficiently to have it reach the apex of the cam, whereafter the actuating-arm may fall the rest of the way, this arrangement being that preferably employed in connection with the two-throw switch. For this purpose the arm is preferably Weighted to insure its descent. The switch mechanism is thus in its preferred embodiment a semi-automatically-operated apparatus when attended to by a switchman. It is adapted to be operated in a completely automatic manner by the being elevated too far above the engaging.

cam, the said arm is preferably elongated beyond the other side of the pivot to constitute a nose'that engages another V-shaped cam, inversely placed with respect to the first aforesaid cam. The nose by engaging the walls of the added cam prevents the elevation of the arm a material distance above the inverted- V cam. It will be understood that this'cam mechanism is the preferred means employed for forcing the actuating-arm to assume any position of adjustment; but it is obvious that other mechanical devices may be employed that will accomplish the same purpose, though I prefer the particular cam mechanism specified, as added functions in the operation of the mechanism may be secured thereby.

I have thus generally described the preferred embodiment of my invention and the individual characteristics of such embodiment; but I have not attempted to indicate all of the features and character of my invention. The scope of the invention will be pointed out in connection with the appended claims.

The switch-operating mechanism may also be employed to eflfeet the simultaneous switching of a semaphore-signal from one position or condition of use to another.

I will explain my invention more fully by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a switch-stand constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a similar view illustrating its asso eiation with a switch. Fig. 3 is a side view of the stand shown in Fi 1. Fig. 4: is asectional view on line 4 4: of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1, the cover being removed; and Fig. 6 is a detail view of the lock.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the figures.

It will be understood that in the drawings I have illustrated but one of many embodiments of various features of my invention, the embodiment illustrated being preferred.

The entire structure is termed technically a switch-stand. The stand proper preferably comprises a casing or chamber a for containing certain operating parts to be hereinafter set forth, having ears b b projecting therefrom, which may be fastened in place upon sleepers or tie extensions 0 c. The casing a is divided horizontally into two parts-a base portion and a cap portion-and it is to the cap portion that the ears I) b are preferably secured, so that the bottom portion may be accommodated between the ties. There is journaled in the bearings e andf, provided in the cap and base portions of the stand, an operating-shaft which is preferably vertically disposed and is provided with a socketed extension 71, into which a visual signal may be fitted to indicate the adjustment of the switch. This operating-shaft has rigidly secured thereto a crank-arm t, that is disposed inside of the casing, this crank-arm being slotted to receive a pin 70, carried by the actuating-bar Z, which actuating-bar may be provided at one end with an aperture for pivotal connection with the tie-bar m and at the other end for pivotal connection with a semaphore-rod n. The actuating-bar, as heretofore stated, is preferably formed separately from the tie-bar, this tie-bar, as is well understood, being connected with both switch-points, so that when the actuating-bar is moved the switch will be thrown from one position to another. The actuating bar is preferably confined to a straight-line travel and is preferably made circnlar in cross-section to form a close fit with the openings in the switch-stand chamber a. to exclude moisture, the. from the interior of the chamber. To further exclude foreign matter,

the top an d bottom portions of the switch-stand chamber are provided with offset shoulders forming a matched joint. The operating-shaft may be rotated in a'horizontal plane, causing a corresponding rotation of the crank-arm and a consequent straight-line travel of the actuating-bar, the pin traveling back and forth in the slot provided in the crank-arm to permit the pin and crank-arm to accommodate themselves to their varying positions. The objectionable pinion and rack-bar are thus obviated by the preferred embodiment of one feature of my invention.

The, other feature of my invention consists in the operation of the actuating bar by means of improved mechanism, securing effective adjustment of the actuating-bar. To this end there is provided an actuating-arm 0, that is united with the operating-shaft preferably by means of a pivotal bolt 1), that occupies a horizontal plane, whereby a swinging connection is afforded between the actuating-arm and the operating or rotating shaft. The pivoted end of the actuating-arm is provided with a recess that is preferably sulficiently long to permit the elevation of the arm forty-five degrees with respect to the horizontal, while the actuating-bar, crankarm, and operating-shaft are so disposed and proportioned as to require a rotation of the operatingshaft through about ninety degrees to effect the adjustment of the actuating-bar in either of its'alternative positions.

To prevent the switching apparatus from occupying any but either of its operative positions, Iem ploy a mechanical obstruction,such as a projection or lug q, preferably in the form of a cam. This cam q is preferably in the form of an inverted V, whose apex is located about forty-five degrees from either of the alternative positions of the switching apparatus. For the purpose of enabling the actuating-arm to ride upon the cam I preferably provide a cam-roller 1', although this is not essential to the apparatus. The arm either directly or indirectly rides upon the cam. When the apparatusis to be manually operated, the actuating-arm is grasped and moved from the base of the cam toward its apex, whereafter gravity may be effective in completing the travel of the arm, it requiring a movement of the arm from one side of the cam to the other to elfect a complete adjustment of the switch from one of its operating positions to the other where a twothrow switch is being operated.' To aid the actuating-arm in its descent from the apex of the cam to the base, the arm may be weighted, I having indicated for this purpose an added weight .9, which, however, is not sufficiently great to prevent the switch-operating mechanism from being actuated automatically by a passinglocomotive, occasion requiring. To prevent an undue elevation of the actuating arm, and consequently too great a shock when the switch-arm is allowed to fall from an elevated position, I provide a nose upon the switclrarm, the pivot-pin 19 being located bewhich recess, according to the adjustmentof the actuating-bar, the nose w, provided upon a locking-bar a}, may en gage, this locking-bar being provided with a pin y, the said lockingbar and said pin being suitably mounted 'in guideways provided upon the cap-plate of the switch-stand. The pin 1 isadapted to move in a groove 1 provided in the supportingplate of the lookingmechanism, the locking-- bar being provided with a hole a, which locking-bar is adapted to be held in place when the pivoted hasp of a padlock is inserted through this hole 2. The lock is not so strong, however, but what a locomotive in passing an improperly-adjusted switch may force it.

It will be seen thatin the preferred form of the 'invention'I provide a switch-stand wherein the actuating-arm is provided with means for guiding it in its movement in an upward, lateral, and downward direction. While the movement of the arm is preferably guided in a fixed path bothin its manual and automatic operations, I do not wish to be limited in all embodiments of theinventio'n to such a construction.

While I speak of an actuating-bar in the claims, I do not wish to be limited to a bar that is separately formed from the elements it'actuates. In the claims I use the term actuating-bar in the sense of that portion of the switch-operating mechanism to which the part that is to be switched is connected. The term actuating-arm is used in the claims to designate the arm that-is operated by the hand to effect the adjustment of the actuating-bar. It is for thepurpose of limiting this handoperated actuating-arm to one or the other of its operative positions that a mechanical obstruction or cam specified in some of the claims is employed.

particularly described; but,

combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm, and a camin theform of aninvert'ed V located between operative positions of the arm to limit the arm, according to its adjustment, to one of such positions,substantially as described.

- 3. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm, and a V-cam located between operative positions of the arm to retain'the arm, according to its adjustment, in one of such positions, substantially as described.

4. In. a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, anda vertical lug interposed between operative positionsof the arm for causing the actuatingarm, with the actuating bar, to retain an op erative position and to force vertical movement of the arm when moving the actuatingbar, substantially as described.

5. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, a'rotating shaft having engagement withthe actuating-arm and actuating-bar, and a vertical luginterposed between operative positions of the actuating-arm for causing -the actuating-arm with the actuating-bar to retain an operative position and to force vertical movementof the arm when moving the actuatingbar, substantially as described.-'

6: In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, a rotating shaft having engagement with the actuating-arm and actuating-bar, and a cam for causing the actuating-arm with the actuating-bar'to retain an operative position, substantially as described.

7. In a .switch operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm,a rotating shaft having engagement with the actuating-arm'and actuatingbar, and'a'V-cam located between operative I to positions of the arm to retain the arm, according to its adjustment, in one of such positions, substantially-as described. r

I 8. Inaswitch-operatingzmechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, arotating shaft, a crank-arm secured to the rotating shaft andhaving connection with theactuating-bar, and a vertical lu g interposed between operative positions of the actuatingarm for causing the actuating-arm with the actuating-bar to retain an operative position and to force vertical'movement of the arm when movingthe actuating-bar, substantially as described.

9. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating arm'for operating the same, a rotating shaft, a crank-arm secured to the rotating shaft and having connection with the actuating-bar, and a cam for; causing the'actuating-arm with the actuating-bar to retain an operative position, substantially as described.

10. In a switch-operating mechanism, the

combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm, a rotating shaft, a crank-arm secured to the rotating shaft and having connection with the actuating-bar, and a cam in the form of an inverted V located between operative positions of the aetuating-arm to limit the actuating-arm, according to its adjustment, to one of such positions, substan tially as described. 11. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm, a rotating shaft, a'crank-arm secured to the rotating shaft and having connection with the actuating-bar, and a V-cam located between operative positions of the actuating-arm to retain the actuating-arm, according to its adjustment, in one of such positions, substantially as described.

12. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, a rotating shaft, a crank-arm secured to the rotating shaft and having connection with the actuating-bar, and a vertical mechanical obstruction interposed between operative positions of the actuating-arm for causing the actuating-arm with the actuating-bar to retain an operative position and to force vertical movement of the arm when moving the actuating-bar, substantially as described.

13. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, a rotating shaft, a crank-arm secured to the rotating shaft and having sliding connection with the actuating-bar, a vertical lug interposed between operative positions of the actuatingarm for causing the actuating-arm with the actuating-bar to retain an operative position and to force vertical movement of the arm when moving the actuating-bar, and means for confining the actuating-bar to substantially a straight-line travel, substantially as described.

14E. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, a rotating shaft, a crank-arm secured to the rotating shaft and having sliding connection with the actuating-bar, a cam interposed between operative positions of the actuating-arm for .causing the actuating-arm with the actuating-bar to retain an operative position, and means for confining the actuating-bar to substantially a straight-line travel, substantially as described.

15. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm having a mounting that is stationary in location, a rotating shaft, a crankarm secured to the rotating shaft and having sliding connection with the actuating-bar, a cam in the form of an inverted located between operativepositions of the arm to limit the arm, according to its adjustment, to one of such positions, and means for confining the actuating-bar to substantially astraightline travel, substantially as described.

16. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuatingarm having a mounting that is stationary in location, a rotating shaft, a crankarm secured to the rotating shaft and having sliding connection with the actuating-bar, a V-cam located between operative positions of the arm to retain the arm, according to its adjustment, in one of such positions, and means for confining the actu ating-bar to substantially a straight-line travel, substantially as described.

17. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, a rotating shaft, a crank-arm secured to the rotating shaft and having sliding connection with the actuating-bar, a mechanical obstruction interposed between operative positions of the arm for causing the actuating-arm with the actuating-bar to retain an operative position, and means for confining the actuating-bar to substantially a straight-linetravel, substantially as described.

18. Alock,comprisingareciprocatingmember Z, having a recess 4), a cam ft provided with a nose to, and a lug y upon which the said cam is pivoted, the cam being provided with an aperture .2 while the lug is provided with a corresponding catch, whereby a locking-hasp may be passed through the said aperture to secure the nose of the cam in locking engagement with the reciprocating member, substantially as described.

19. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm, a cam in the form of an inverted V located between operative positions of the arm to limit the arm according to its adjustment to one of such positions, and a second cam for preventing material elevation of the actuating-arm above the aforesaid cam, substantially as described.

20. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of means for confining the same to a straight-line travel, a rotating shaft, a crank-arm secured thereto having sliding connection with the actuatingbar, an actuating-arm having pivotal connection with the operating-shaft, and a cam interposed between alternative positions of the actuating-arm to cause the arm to elevate and lower in being swung from one position to another, substantially as described.

21. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, and a vertical stationary lug interposed between operative positions of the actuating-arm for retaining the actuating-arm with the actuating-bar in an operative position and to force vertical movement of the arm when moving the actuating-bar, substantially as described.

ment of the arm when moving the actuatingbar, substantially as described.

23. In a switch-operating mechanism, the

combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, a rotating shaft having engagement with the actuating-arm and actuating-bar, and a stationary vertically-projecting mechanical obstruction interposed between operative positions of the actuating-arm for causing the actuating-arm with the actuating-bar to retain an operative position and to force vertical movement of the arm when moving the actuating-bar, substantially as described.

24. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar,of an actuating-arm'for operating the same,,a rotating shaft having engagement with the actuating-arm and actuating-bar, and a cam interposed between operative positions of the arm for causing the actuating-arm with the actuating-bar to retain an operative position, substantially as described.

25. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, a rotating shaft, a crank-arm secured to the rotating shaft and having connection with the actuatin g-bar, and a stationary mechanical obstruction interposed between operative positions of the actuating-arm for causing the actuatingarm with the actuating-bar to retain an operative position, substantially as described.

26. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of an actuating-arm for operating the same, a rotating shaft, a crank-arm secured to the rotating shaft and having sliding connection with the actuating-bar, a stationary mechanical obstruction interposed between operative positions of the actuating-arm for causing the actuating-arm with the actuating-barto retain an operative position, and means for confining the actuating-bar to substantially a straight-line travel, substantially as described.

27. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of a-rotatin g shaft, a crank-arm engaging the shaft with the bar, an actuating-arm having swinging connection with the rotating shaft, and a cam interposed between alternative positions of the actuating-arm to force the elevation of the actuating-arm and permit its depression as it is being swung from one position to another, substantially as. described.

28. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of a rotating shaft, a crank-arm engaging the shaft with the bar, an actuating-arm having swinging connection with the rotating shaft, anda lug interposed between alternative positions of the actuating-arm to force the elevation of the actuating-arm and permit its depression as it is being swungfrom one position to another, substantially as described.

29. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of a rotating shaft for operating the bar, an actuatingarmhaving swinging connection with the rotating shaft, and a cam interposed between alternative positions of the actuating-arm to force the elevation of the actuating-arm and permit its depression as it is being swung from one position to another, substantiallyas described.

30.'In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination with an actuating-bar, of a rotating shaft for operating the bar, an actuatingarm having swinging connection with the rotating shaft, and a luginterposedjbetween alternative positionsof the actuating-arm to force the elevation of the actuating-arm and permit its depression'as itis being swung from one position to another, substantially as described.

In witness whereofI hereunto subscribe 5 myjname this 14th day of September,

GEORGE L. MANSFIELD.

Witnesses: v A. MILLER BELFIELD, HERBERT F. OBERGFELL. 

